One of the Northern Quarter's most popular and long-standing cafes has quietly closed down during lockdown.
Teacup Kitchen has been a staple on the city centre's coffee shop scene for almost a decade but never reopened after the first lockdown.
The site has now been gutted, the website deactivated and its social media accounts have fallen silent.
There was no announcement of its closure, but its last post on Instagram back in March 2020 - just before lockdown - said: "Unfortunately due to current circumstances we will be closing the doors at Teacup until this all blows over... hopefully we should be back soon! In the mean time keep safe ride through and do your bit! We will be back!"
The large Thomas Street venue won't stay empty for long.
Jobe Ferguson and Anthony Fielden, both of nearby TNQ, have recently taken over the unit and will be launching a new bar and restaurant in Teacup Kitchen's place.
Jobe is also a director at Liar's Group and is behind popular Manchester bars including Black Dog Ballroom, Cane & Grain, Science & Industry, Crazy Pedro's and The Liars Club.
Details of the offering at The Smithfield Social will be revealed in the coming weeks, with a building control application now lodged with Manchester city council.
Teacup Kitchen was founded by local DJ, producer and artist Mr Scruff way back in 2011 and was loved for its rainbow cakes and hearty soups.
The cafe also boasted a huge selection of teas and would serve them with an egg timer for perfect brewing time.
Teacup Kitchen worked with TV presenter Yvette Fielding to launch the now-closed Proper Tea by Manchester Cathedral (that site has become Cafe at the Cathedral in the years since) and enjoyed a stint at Left Bank in Spinningfields.
The M.E.N. has approached Teacup Kitchen for comment on its closure.
Are you sad, or surprised, to see Teacup Kitchen closed? Share your memories in the comments below.
